A Haverfordwest garage owner who ran an MOT scam has been jailed for six months.

Dylan John James, of Rushacre Farm, Redstone Road, Narberth, was found guilty on September 7th of nine charges of fraud.

During sentencing on Monday, magistrates heard how James deceived eight separate customers, dishonestly telling them their vehicle had failed an MOT test before charging them for work which had not been carried out.

James, aged 29, had denied all charges but defence lawyer Mark Layton said he now accepted culpability.

"He has a great deal of remorse," said Mr Layton. "He recognises what he has done and the impact of his offending on the people involved.

"He has lost his reputation. This case has been broadly publicised and will affect his business for many years to come."

He said his client had found the ordeal "difficult" and the case had caused him a great deal of stress.

"He feels ashamed and saddened that his reputation has been lost.

"The prospect of going to prison is one that has desperately frightened him."

Mr Layton asked magistrates to impose a suspended prison sentence, and said James was prepared to work with the local authority to ensure every customer who had been deceived was fully compensated.

However, magistrates told James the evidence had clearly shown he was guilty. They said his actions involved a degree of planning and multiple transactions. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

James, who broke down during the hearing, was immediately taken into custody.